Headquartered in Fountain Valley, California, Kingston is by far the world's largest independent memory manufacturer. From its beginnings in 1987, Kingston has grown to a 27% market share in 2004 and almost $2.5 Billion in sales - which is more than 3 times larger than #2. Perhaps even more important was the 35% growth in revenue for Kingston from 2003 to 2004.

The biggest surprise for us was the complete 100% final testing that Kingston uses for all DIMMs. We expected a statistical sampling method based on ongoing failure analysis to something like a Six Sigma confidence level. What we didn't expect was the 100% inspection Kingston assures us is a part of all their memory manufacturing. Kingston is very proud of the fact they have pioneered many of the processes and QA procedures that are now in common use in the memory industry, and it turns out that 100% final testing is a procedure commonly used by many of Kingston's competitors in the memory market.

100% QC is not uncommon in electronic field - yet the definition of 100% can be used "loosely" dependent on the number of check point. Six Sigma is a process that will ensure in locating problem areas should they arise; and making quality product does not happen by accident but with every member in the production process.